They can say what they want to, but I don’t believe them. The formulas are different. They will say that it is my perception of the taste is what makes the difference, but I don’t believe that either. The smaller the container, the better Coca Cola tastes. I am convinced of this.
My favorite Coke product has always been that contained in the small glass bottles. In the days of my youth these were 6.5 ounces, and rarely did I not find one in Granny Olga’s refrigerator. One was enough during those times. No need for supersizing. You simply took it for what it was, and you savored it with whatever sandwich was made on that day. Writing this now, I can recall the smell of that refrigerator and the taste of the water that was kept in an open pitcher. The water shared that smell. Hmm? Maybe there is something to be said about the perception argument? Nah, I don’t think so and I will continue to maintain otherwise. There will be no changing of my mind. Not on this day anyway.
So, why am I obsessed with Coca Cola this morning? Actually, I am not; I am obsessed with the Masters and the story that will unfold from Augusta as the morning progresses. The reason Coca Cola intrudes on my thoughts as it does so now, is due to only one thing: The early start time of the Masters. I know this does not make any sense, however, bear with me.
Years ago, Coca Cola introduced a twelve ounce version in the plastic bottle. At that time, I referred to it as the “can in the bottle” because that is what I thought it was. Many times, I still refer to it as such. Coke in the twelve ounce can has always had a better taste then any of the larger sizes and, at times, can rival the taste of the smallest size of coke products. It will never taste as good as those removed from Grannies refrigerator though. It is not supposed to. That is how today’s perceptions of memories from long ago work.
Until the introduction of the can in the bottle, the twelve ounce can was my favorite Coca Cola product. This was probably due to the convenience as much as it was to the taste. The problem with the twelve ounce can though, was that it required you to consume the product rather quickly, Otherwise, flatness would render it unenjoyable and thus the twelve ounce can would only last me a short while. The can in the bottle will last me much longer. The picture here is that of a can in the bottle from yesterday. I will finish it sometime today. I am certain that the lack of need for me to consume Coca Cola in large quantities at a single setting can be traced back to the days of Granny Olga. If there is a use for plastic in my life, then the can in the bottle Coke is it.
Now, as I was sitting on the porch this morning, enjoying the light rain that has set free any sense of guilt I might have while watching the Masters, I started contemplating the early morning start time of the Masters; An unprecedented start time being dictated by a forecast of the weather. The thought occurred to me that this start time coincided with the time the British Open, another favorite of mine, typically airs. As you should know, it is several hours later in the British Isles than it is in the Burg. As a matter of fact, right now in Liverpool and relative to the Burg, it is the future. So, for today, much like the “can in the bottle” the Masters is a “British Open in America” of sorts and it is this particular form of logic that led me to the subject of Coca Cola.
Tiger is wearing red today, a Coca Cola red if you ask me. Coca Cola used it first. Their red has become pretty synonymous with their product. Tiger wearing red on Sundays is part of his brand. Coca Cola has done it better.
Many times, when I think of Coca Cola, it leads me to think of “One, Two, Three”. Have you watched it lately? If you haven’t you should. It is Wilder and Cagney at their best. If Tiger wins today, I may watch it later just because. That is how these things work. Besides, it will help pass the time until Game of Thrones resumes for the final season. A resumption that will no doubt provide its fair share of red as the season progresses.
I think with the GOT reference my logic is starting to run away on its own. It is time to stop. Besides the lead group, one that has Tiger in red, is approaching Amen Corner. Though the Masters starts on Thursday, the back nine, the last nine holes on Sunday, is when the Masters truly begins.
If you have followed my logic, congratulations! You are in the minority. As such, we should probably get together someday. Birds of a feather and all that jazz (“Its Showtime” ) you know. Maybe over an early morning coke on the porch or an early evening viewing of One, Two Three. Wearing red, though encouraged to do so , is optional.
Feel the Burg 